Hats!

This post is especially for anyone who is signing up for the Hats! class at River Knits, January 22, 29, and February 5; 7-9pm.  In this class, we'll be knitting hats! A plain hat is a great first project for a beginning knitter, while more complicated patterns can be fun and challenging for intermediate or advanced knitters. Here are some suggestions:

Plain Hats:
So easy that once you knit a couple, you don't even need the pattern anymore! You can use just about any yarn, though starting with worsted weight or heavier is a good idea. Hats in this range knit up quickly, allowing for a great sense of accomplishment and a warm head! Here are a few patterns, but really....if you pick a yarn, I can jot a pattern down for you in no time. (A note about these links: they link to Ravelry, which is an awesome online community for knitters and crocheters. If you haven't already joined, you might not be able to see what's linked. Join! It's free and way cool.)

Simple Slouch Hat by Robyn Devine
Be Loving by Melissa Simpson
The Long Beanie by Woolly Wormhead

If there's another you'd rather knit, go for it!

Fair Isle:
I love a Fair Isle hat. There's just something fun and wonderful about colorwork in a hat. It feels cozy and looks festive. Here are some of my favorites, but please feel free to choose something else if you like!

Fair Isle Hat from Gaea Creations (yeah, that's me; also available for purchase as a paper pattern from River Knits)
Sheep Heid by Kate Davies  (Not free, but too cute not to include in the list!)
Skull Hat by Gina Davidson (Especially if you know someone pirate-y.)
Beaumont Tam by Jared Flood  (also not free, but worth it)

I could go on and on and on. There are some really gorgeous Fair Isle hat patterns out there. 

Cables:
Nothing is better than a good, sturdy, warm cabled hat. Don't feel limited to my list, but check these out:

Star Crossed Slouchy by Natalie Larson  I've made several of these. They are easy, quick, and an excellent introduction to cables.
Koolhaas by Jared Flood Hugely popular.
Who? by Sara Amoroso features cute little cables that look like adorable owls.
Druidess Beret by Anna Bright is gorgeous!


Lace:
I love knitting lace more that just about anything else. Hats are an excellent way to get your feet went in the big lace knitting ocean. Here are a few good ones:

Cascade Beret by Kimberly Porter beautifully combines cables and lace.
Shroom by Lee Juvan
Foliage by Emilee Mooney gives you the choice of two different yarn weights.


Want to knit something a little more "out there?" Check these out:
Capucine by Adela Illichmanova  I made one of these last year for myself, and my daughter immediately stole it.
Fish Hat by Thelma Egberts  Heather made a ton of these a few years ago.
Vortex by Lee Meredith is decidedly not for the faint of heart. Challenging, but so worth the work!
Or how about a hat inspired by a cartoon, movie, or video game? Invader Zim Gir, Shrek, Transformers, Chain Chomp, R2D2,  Pokemon, or Tardis.

If none of those appeal to you, absolutely feel free to pick something that does! If you need additional help finding something, just email me at amanda@gaea-creations.com. And, if you want to sign up and join us for the class, stop by, call or email River Knits. This 3-session class is $45. Hope to see you there!!!